Tunisian Crochet Blanket: A Beginner's Guide To Getting Started

Tunisian crochet is a unique way of crocheting that uses a special hook and different techniques. It creates a thicker, spongier, and softer fabric than normal crochet. Tunisian crochet blankets are a great project for beginners as they allow you to practice your skills while creating something beautiful and useful.

Tunisian crochet typically uses longer hooks than standard crochet hooks, and the stitches are held on the hook like knitting. The Tunisian simple stitch is the most basic Tunisian stitch and is the foundation of all Tunisian crochet stitches. This stitch is versatile and can be used for various projects.

When making a Tunisian crochet blanket, it is important to choose the right type of yarn and hook size to achieve the desired size and texture. The number of stitches and rows will depend on the width and length you want your blanket to be. It is also common to use multiple colours to create stripes or other patterns.

Tunisian crochet blankets can be made in one piece or joined together from smaller panels. They tend to curl at the edges, so adding a border or using a non-curling stitch can help minimise this effect.

Overall, Tunisian crochet is a fun and relaxing way to create beautiful blankets, and with the right tools and techniques, anyone can give it a try!

Choosing the right hook and yarn

Tunisian crochet is a unique way of crocheting that uses a special hook and different techniques. It creates a thicker, spongier, and softer fabric than normal crochet.

Tunisian crochet uses longer hooks than standard crochet hooks. The length of the hook will depend on the size of your blanket. For example, if you are making a full-size throw blanket, you will need a longer cord or interchangeable Tunisian hooks with a cord attachment.

When choosing a hook, it is important to consider the weight of your yarn. For a Tunisian crochet blanket, you can use any weight yarn, but it is recommended to use medium-weight yarn or DK weight yarn. The hook size should correspond to the weight of your yarn to ensure that your stitches are not too tight. For example, if you are using DK weight yarn, you may need to go up a few hook sizes to ensure that your stitches are loose enough.

You can also use different colours of yarn to create stripes or other patterns in your blanket. It is recommended to choose one main colour and then select a few contrasting colours to create an interesting design.

Before starting your blanket, it is a good idea to make a small gauge swatch to get a feel for how to use the hook and practice the Tunisian simple stitch. This will help you work out any kinks before starting your project.

Additionally, you may want to consider using a steam blocker or adding a crochet border to your blanket to prevent it from curling at the top and bottom edges, which is common in Tunisian crochet.

Tunisian crochet stitches

Tunisian crochet is a unique way of crocheting that uses a special hook and different techniques. It creates a thicker, spongier, and softer fabric than normal crochet. To get started with Tunisian crochet, you will need a Tunisian crochet hook, which has a longer handle than a standard crochet hook. For larger projects like blankets, you can use Tunisian crochet hooks with long cords instead of long handles.

Tunisian Simple Stitch

The Tunisian simple stitch is often the first stitch that people learn when picking up Tunisian crochet. It has a one-row repeat and can be worked over any number of stitches. For the forward pass, you work into the vertical bars. This stitch is perfect for beginners.

Tunisian Knit Stitch

The Tunisian knit stitch is perfect for those who like the look of knitting but prefer to crochet. It creates a thick fabric, ideal for scarves or sweaters. It is easy to learn and can be worked over any number of stitches.

Tunisian Full Stitch

The Tunisian full stitch, also known as the Gobelin stitch, is a two-row repeat stitch. This means there are two different forward passes that alternate each row. This stitch is worked by pulling up loops between stitches instead of working into the stitches.

Tunisian Mesh Stitch

The Tunisian mesh stitch is a simple stitch that creates a loose fabric, making it ideal for shawls or market bags. There are a few different types of mesh stitch, but the most common one is a one-row repeat over an odd number of stitches.

Tunisian Smock Stitch

The Tunisian smock stitch is highly textured and creates a standout look. It has a row repeat worked over an even number of stitches. This stitch can be challenging for beginners, but the payoff is worth it. It looks amazing when used to create cushions.

Tunisian Diagonal Lattice Stitch

The Tunisian diagonal lattice stitch is characterised by its sloping bars. It has a two-row repeat and is worked over an odd number of stitches. This stitch is commonly used in Tunisian crochet headband patterns.

These are just a few examples of Tunisian crochet stitches that you can use to create beautiful and unique projects. With the right tools and techniques, you can create stunning Tunisian crochet blankets that your family can enjoy for a long time.

How to change colours

Changing colours in Tunisian crochet is a great way to incorporate variety into your blanket. There are three ways to change colours in Tunisian crochet: at the right edge, at the left edge, or in the middle. The first two methods are the same as changing colours in traditional crochet, but the third method, changing colours anywhere other than the outside edges, is more complex and requires practice.

Changing Colours at the Beginning of a Forward Pass (Right Edge)

To change colours at the beginning of a forward pass, you will need to change colours at the end of the return pass of the previous row. Work your return pass until you have two loops remaining on your hook. Then, yarn over with the new colour and pull that loop through the last two loops on the hook. Now, your first stitch of the next row will be in the new colour.

Changing Colours at the Beginning of a Return Pass (Left Edge)

To change colours at the beginning of a return pass, complete the entire forward pass in the first colour. Then, use the new colour to yarn over and pull through the first loop on the hook to create a chain one. After that, complete the return pass as normal.

Changing Colours in the Middle of a Row

Changing colours within a row is useful for colour-blocking and other colourwork techniques. Start by completing the forward pass in the main colour up to the point where the colour change will occur. Pull up a loop in the next vertical bar with the new colour and finish the forward pass with the new colour. Begin the return pass as normal until the second loop on the hook is in the main colour. Drop the new colour and complete the next stitch with the main colour, ensuring that the vertical and horizontal bars of this stitch are the same colour.

When changing colours in the middle of a row, it is important to "lock" the yarn to avoid unsightly holes in the work. This is done by wrapping the old colour around the new colour and pulling the loops tight.

Blocking and borders

Blocking is a great way to flatten your Tunisian crochet blanket and stop it from curling. However, it may not always be suitable for your project. For instance, if your blanket is too big, made from fibres that don't respond well to blocking, or is intended for use in the kitchen or bathroom, blocking may not be the best option.

If you don't want to block your blanket, you can add a non-curling border. This will help to prevent curling and is adaptable depending on the size of your project, the thickness of your yarn, the size of your hook, how much yarn you have available, how much curling there is, and the overall look of the border in relation to the main part of your blanket.

To create a non-curling border, you will need the same type of yarn and hook that you used for the main body of your blanket. You will also need a tapestry needle and scissors for finishing off.

Step 1:

Start on the lower right corner (or left if you're left-handed) of your project. Put a slip knot on your hook and pass it through the corner stitch to lock it.

Step 2:

Chain 10. Pick up loops on your hook in the back bumps of the chains, put the hook behind the two vertical bars of the edge of your project (in the same corner stitch) and through the vertical loop in the back, pull up a loop, and do a short row return (SRR).

Step 3:

Repeat [Purl stitch (P), Tunisian simple stitch (Tss)] 5 times, then pick up a loop behind the 3 loops of the next stitch on the edge of the project, and do an SRR.

Step 4:

Repeat [Tss, P] 5 times, then pick up a loop behind the 3 loops of the next stitch on the edge of the project, and do an SRR.

Step 5:

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you reach the end of the side.

Step 6:

Choose one of the two methods described below for turning the corner.

Method 1: Simple Corner

Continue in pattern. If a repeat of Row 2 is next, repeat [P, Tss] 5 times, then pick up a loop in the corner stitch (the same stitch as on the previous row), and do a regular Tunisian return (R).

For Row 2, repeat [Tss, P] 5 times, then pick up a loop behind the two vertical bars at the end of the row, and do an R.

For Row 3, repeat [P, Tss] 5 times, then pick up a loop behind the two vertical bars at the end of the row, and do an R.

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until you reach Corner Row 10.

Stop and bind off the row without cutting the yarn. To bind off, work in the pattern and slip each new stitch you pick up.

Method 2: Mitered Corner

This method will work with various stitch combinations but is easier to explain with simple stitches. If you are worried that it will change the curl of your project, choose Method 1.

Stop when you reach the corner stitch on your project.

10Tss, SRR (this will cause one stitch to be lost at the end of the row, so it counts as a decrease).

9Tss, SRR.

8Tss, SRR.

7Tss, SRR.

6Tss, SRR.

5Tss, SRR.

4Tss, SRR.

3Tss, SRR.

2Tss, SRR.

1Tss, SRR.

You should now have one loop on your hook.

Now, build the second half of the corner square:

Ch1. Pick up a loop in the back bump of the chain. Find the decrease stitch from the previous step and pick up a loop in this diagonal. SRR.

1Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from the row before, SRR.

2Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from two rows before, SRR.

3Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from three rows before, SRR.

4Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from four rows before, SRR.

5Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from five rows before, SRR.

6Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from six rows before, SRR.

7Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the diagonal stitch from seven rows before, SRR.

8Tss, pick up a loop in the next horizontal space, pick up a loop in the corner stitch, SRR.

Now you should be ready to work on the next side of your project. Continue with repeats of Rows 2 and 3 from the main instructions.

When you reach the last corner, continue with the provided instructions.

Finally, bind off the last row by putting slip stitches in each stitch. You will need to sew up this seam, so leave a longer tail.

Tips for beginners

Tunisian crochet is a great option for beginners as it is a unique way of crocheting using a special hook and different techniques. It is a perfect break from your usual crochet hooks and can be used to make a variety of items, including blankets. Here are some tips for beginners:

• Tunisian crochet uses longer hooks than standard crochet hooks, so make sure you have the right equipment. You can use a double-ended hook or a hook with an extension cable.
• It is normal for Tunisian crochet to curl, so don't worry if your work doesn't lie flat. You can reduce the curling by using non-curling Tunisian crochet stitches to border your projects. Alternatively, you can add a crochet border or try steam blocking your work.
• Tunisian crochet is perfect for making blankets because it creates a thicker, spongier, and softer fabric than normal crochet.
• If you are making a large blanket, you might find that a long cord can get heavy and the stitches fall off the needle. One way to get around this is to make the blanket in smaller sections and then join them together.
• Tunisian crochet is a great way to use up your yarn stash. You can use any medium-weight yarn for your blanket, and you can easily customise the size of your blanket by adjusting the number of stitches and rows.
• If you are new to Tunisian crochet, it is a good idea to practice the basic stitches before starting your blanket. Make a small gauge swatch to get a feel for how to use the hook and learn how to make the Tunisian simple stitch.
• When changing colours in Tunisian crochet, the colour changes always happen in the final pull-through of a row, when there are two loops remaining. Drop the current colour, loop the new colour over your finger, and pull it through the remaining two loops to complete the stitch and change the colour.

Frequently asked questions